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New here... trying to decide on hunting scope

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notenuftoys View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote notenuftoys Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: New here... trying to decide on hunting scope
    Posted: August/31/2018 at 10:24
I stumbled on OpticsTalk while googling reviews on various scopes, and decided to join.  

I have a Savage .270 that came with a cheapy Bushnell 3-9x40.  It's worked for a few years but sucks at low light.  So now I'm shopping for a replacement.

After reading probably every review written or videoed in the last 3 years on about a dozen different scopes, I've narrowed down my options to either a Sightron S-TAC 3-16x42 MOA3 reticle, or a Sig Sauer Whiskey 3 4-12x50 Hellfire Triplex or Quadplex.  

I've read good reviews of the glass clarity in the Sightron, but I really like the lighted Hellfire reticle of the Sig.  I'm a little torn between the two.

Sure, I wish I could just spring for a Sightron SIII or similar, but funds are limited right now.  And I want to have this for hog hunting next month and deer in October.  

Opinions on these?
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Chief Sackscratch

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/31/2018 at 10:32

"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
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Chief Sackscratch

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/31/2018 at 10:37

 Glad to have you.

 

Those are two good scopes.   We have lots of knowledgeable guys here.  Are you for sure stuck on those two?  

 

If not whats your max budget?   We can always recommend you some options that may not have crossed your mind.

 

one of our experts here Koshin has a site - opticsthoughts.com.   have you visited it? lots of good reviews.

if you not opposed to used there are some killer deals that a member by the name of 338lapuaslap has some used sightrons for sale - check it out here - http://opticstalk.com/update-and-gunbroker-auctions_topic45055_post691052.html?KW=#691052

 

Also SWFA has the www.samplelist.com that has used, trade-ins and demos for good prices as well.  Plus SWFA offers a 110% price guarantee if you find a better price, email them.

 

"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
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notenuftoys View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote notenuftoys Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/31/2018 at 11:17
Originally posted by SVT_Tactical SVT_Tactical wrote:

 Glad to have you.

 

Those are two good scopes.   We have lots of knowledgeable guys here.  Are you for sure stuck on those two?  

 


Here's the original short list I came up with:  Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44, Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44, Athlon Midas BTR 2.5-15x50, Nikon Prostaff 7 3-12x42 or 4-16x42, or Leupold VX-R 3-9x40.  And obviously the Sightron and Sig.

I'm open to some other options.

I really want to stay below $400.  I have $200 in Amazon gift cards that I'm going to use.  I know some other place might be a little cheaper, but free money is free money.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/31/2018 at 11:22
I would look to one with out to many bells and whistles.  You will get an overall better quality scope with better optics by doing that.  Lower priced scopes with lots of bells and whistles are often not that great of a scope.
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/31/2018 at 12:15
Sightron's MOA3 is not the best hunting reticle out there, so between your two original options I would lean toward Whiskey3.  It will work much better for you in low light.

If you decide to step up in price a little, this is a really good deal:  https://swfa.com/vortex-2-10x40-razor-hd-lh-rifle-scope-3.html

ILya

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notenuftoys View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote notenuftoys Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/31/2018 at 14:58
I just found a new local gun shop I never knew existed.  This could be dangerous!  

Anyway, ran over there at lunch and they had the Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44.  Yea, I need to scrape together some extra change and get this one.  I really liked it.  Turrets had a nice solid click, no mush.  Very, very slight play, but considering the price not unexpected.  Glass was very good, reticle very clear.  

So, worth $100 more than Sig and Sightron?  Maybe so.  Why does scope shopping have to be so dang hard?  Confused
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote urbaneruralite Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2018 at 14:02
It ain't.  Buy a VX-R or VX-5 and get on with your life.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2018 at 14:58
Viper HS 4-16x44 is fairly decent scope for what it is, but the Razor HD I linked above runs circle around it (and then some) for more or less the same money while it is on sale.  The difference is especially pronounced if you go to low light conditions.

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2018 at 15:30
Welcome to OT, Notenuftoys! I can definitely relate to your handle, sir!

If you don't mind me asking, where in North Texas do you hail from? I grew up in NE Texas, about 50 miles north of Tyler.
Ted


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote notenuftoys Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2018 at 09:11
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:

Welcome to OT, Notenuftoys! I can definitely relate to your handle, sir!

If you don't mind me asking, where in North Texas do you hail from? I grew up in NE Texas, about 50 miles north of Tyler.

Sorry, it's been a busy weekend so I'm just checking back in.  I'm in one of the northern DFW suburbs, just north of the airport.  Lived in this area all my life.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2018 at 09:44

 your close enough to SWFA to run by and look through a bunch of scopes..... Worth the trip to their retail store!

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"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
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notenuftoys View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote notenuftoys Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2018 at 09:59
Uh oh, this is not good.  Not good at all.  Wink

It's 55 minutes away, according to google maps.  I just might take a run down there Saturday.  

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2018 at 10:04
 If you buy something tell them to make sure I get the commission.... kidding of course.  They will treat you great. they will even help you mount the scope there I believe.
"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2018 at 11:02
Originally posted by notenuftoys notenuftoys wrote:

Uh oh, this is not good.  Not good at all.  Wink

It's 55 minutes away, according to google maps.  I just might take a run down there Saturday.  


Here is what I suggest you do: take your driver's license and whatever amount of money you are willing to spend in cash.  Leave all credit cards at home.  Going to that place is like going to a drug dealer.  You'll be roaming around the store for hours muttering under you noise things like "for just a little more, this one is even nicer..."

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote saltydog235 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2018 at 22:07
Originally posted by koshkin koshkin wrote:

Originally posted by notenuftoys notenuftoys wrote:

Uh oh, this is not good.  Not good at all.  Wink

It's 55 minutes away, according to google maps.  I just might take a run down there Saturday.  



Here is what I suggest you do: take your driver's license and whatever amount of money you are willing to spend in cash.  Leave all credit cards at home.  Going to that place is like going to a drug dealer.  You'll be roaming around the store for hours muttering under you noise things like "for just a little more, this one is even nicer..."

ILya


Great, I’m like a 20hr drive and want to go now.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Scrumbag Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/05/2018 at 03:40
Ah, toys are too much fun!
Was sure I had a point when I started this post...
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